Saturday, May 19, 2012

Not One More Foundation Ride of Honor, AZ State Capitol 2012

There was an excellent turnout for the Ride and Rally organized by the Not One More Foundation on Saturday. Cyclists from all over came in groups, teams, and solitary morning rides down to center of the Arizona governmental district to send the message that we require safer streets, to show solidarity around the concept that cyclists dying due to the inattention of motorists is unacceptable. Several speakers explored the topic, including Sterling Baer from the foundation, who asked for a show of hands, among the cyclists there, for anyone who has been hit or brushed off the road by a motor vehicle. Almost every cyclist in attendance raised their hand.

For me, the most moving and affecting speaker, though, was Brent Holderman, one of the three cyclists who were struck by a motorist in Mesa recently, who hit them because she was adjusting her GPS.

Brent Holderman

Several of the speakers talked about elements of True Cycling Support (and against "As Traffic Permits" conditions): a strong 3-foot or safe distance law which was actually enforceable and enforced, vulnerable road user laws, as well as motorist and cyclist education. To which I would add, separated cycling facilities on roads where the speed limit is over 30 kph, strict motorist liability for all accidents involving cyclists, and traffic calming combined with motor traffic elimination in city centers and congested areas with many pedestrians and children. There are indeed too many people being struck down on the roads by motorists who are texting, tweeting, or adjusting their GPS units. It is truly unacceptable.

raublekick the rides started from all over, and were organized by teams and clubs mostly I think. I found out about it from AZ Road Cyclist News, which is an excellent source to monitor if you are looking for local rides.

I know what you mean limom. One of the participants in this rally spent six months in recovery after being hit by a vehicle, whose driver was convicted of failure to yield and paid only a minor fine. This demonstrates the need for strong vulnerable road user laws with strict liability for motorists who hit cyclists.

I'm pleased to see you're starting to press for these kinds of measures - not least because I'm about to move to the US (albeit not Arizona) and start cycling.

I blogged about a similar protest in London ahead of the recent mayoral elections here: http://invisiblevisibleman.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/thoughts-on-electoral-cycle.html . There were 10,000 people at the London one - an inspiring sight.

it is important for groups of all variations of cycling to show unity and come together for this. we are ultimately people, as well as there are people inside of cars, and people walking the streets. we have got to respect each other and never cease to value AND prioritize the importance of our lives. all of us.

thanks for sharing this, as powerful as it is important to voice events as such.xxomeli

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Let's Just Ride

I commute by bicycle in Phoenix, Arizona, a metropolis suited to riding bicycles of all types, with weather, mountains, roads, canals, and paths to keep me forever spinning. My favorite bike tools are an open mind, creative engagement, curiosity, compassion, common ground, and the search for knowledge.

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